Product Assurance and Safety Manager

Job Posting Organization:
The European Space Agency (ESA) is an intergovernmental organization dedicated to the exploration of space. Established in 1975, ESA has grown to include 22 member states and employs over 2,200 staff members. The agency operates across multiple countries, focusing on various aspects of space exploration, satellite technology, and scientific research. ESA's mission is to shape the development of Europe's space capability and ensure that investment in space continues to deliver benefits to the citizens of Europe and the world.

Job Overview:
The Product Assurance and Safety Manager will be assigned to the Resilience, Navigation and Connectivity (RNC) Product Assurance and Safety Section within the Directorate of Technology, Engineering and Quality. This role involves supporting projects in the RNC Directorate, specifically the SAGA project. The manager will be responsible for implementing ESA's Product Assurance and Safety policy, ensuring compliance with technical requirements, and contributing to corporate tasks such as reviews and standardization. The position requires collaboration with project managers and contractors to ensure that product assurance and safety standards are met throughout the project lifecycle.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The specific responsibilities of the Product Assurance and Safety Manager include defining programmatic and technical requirements in line with product assurance and safety standards, reviewing contractors' plans and specifications, guiding the implementation of PA&S requirements, participating in design and safety reviews, and monitoring project activities through quality assurance audits. The manager will also represent ESA in various review boards, support the procurement of necessary components, ensure software PA requirements are met, and provide support during project assembly, integration, and verification activities. Additionally, the manager will be involved in identifying lessons learned and contributing to the quality management system, as well as supporting security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">security activities as needed.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a master's degree in an engineering discipline and have a minimum of eight years of relevant professional experience in product assurance and safety. Significant experience as a PA&S Manager on space telecommunications or New Space projects is highly desirable, particularly experience working with institutional partners and applying relevant standards. Eligibility for security clearance and access to export control-related information is also required.

Educational Background:
A master's degree in an engineering discipline is mandatory for this position. This educational background is essential to ensure that the candidate has the necessary technical knowledge and skills to effectively manage product assurance and safety in complex space projects.

Experience:
The position requires at least eight years of relevant professional experience in product assurance and safety. Candidates with significant experience in managing PA&S for space telecommunications or New Space projects will be given preference. Experience working with institutional partners and applying relevant standards is also crucial for success in this role.

Languages:
The working languages of the European Space Agency are English and French. A good command of one of these languages is required for the position. Knowledge of another language from a Member State would be considered an asset, enhancing communication and collaboration within the diverse workforce of ESA.

Additional Notes:
The appointment is for a duration of four years, with the possibility of extension to an indefinite term. The position is classified within the grade band A2-A4, with the potential for placement at A1 level for candidates with less than four years of relevant experience. Applicants must be eligible to access information subject to European or US export control regulations and must be able to obtain security clearance. The recruitment process may include selection tests, and successful candidates will undergo background screening in compliance with ESA's security procedures. ESA is committed to diversity and inclusiveness in its workforce and encourages applications from all qualified candidates.